Song of the Day: Vampire Weekend

Effervescent with a snide, comic touch, Vampire Weekend sounds like a happier, bouncier version of The Shins -- not just a retread, mind you, but displaying a similar ability to bring together simple rock sounds in fresh ways. On their second release, they also nod to Paul McCartney, Belle and Sebastian and Talking Heads, often drenching those sounds in the stark orchestral stylings you'd expect in a Mark Mothersbaugh score.

Vampire Weekend plays the Wexner Center on Thursday, February 14. For concert info, click to wexarts.org.